- Suffolk County Council - Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
- £45,380 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 37 hours (flexible working options available)
- Permanent
This advert is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only.
We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Natural Environment Manager and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Job Details
The Natural Environment Manager will lead a team of professional and technical staff in shaping and supporting the delivery of the county council’s corporate priority to protect and enhance the environment.
This is a new post that will play a critical role in ensuring that the council not only meets its legal and statutory obligations, but also makes demonstrable progress towards achieving its ambitions for biodiversity enhancement across its estate, managing and expanding tree and woodland cover, develop and deliver an ambitious Local Nature Recovery Strategy and ensure that its own and others development projects respect and strengthen Suffolk’s landscape and wildlife.
Your role and responsibilities
In this role, you will be leading a team of dedicated professionals and ensuring that the council continues to have the capability and resources to respond to new opportunities and maintain progress. You will need to maintain a good strategic overview of external factors impacting Suffolk’s natural environment and lead the team in adapting and evolving to meet those.
You will need to have an eye for opportunities to bring in additional resources to support the team and the council’s overall ambitions for the environment and for developing new and existing partnerships to achieve this. You will have direct responsibility for externally funded projects and a key priority will be to increase the level of external funding that is coming into the service to support these activities, including opportunities arising through ‘green’ or ‘blended’ finance mechanisms.
You will provide line management for several posts as well as wider team leadership, and you will support the Head of Natural & Historic Environment in the leadership of the wider service and represent that through directorate and corporate governance as required. You will work with a wide range of stakeholders and represent the council and its ambitions for the natural environment in a variety of situations.
You will need
- an entrepreneurial and adaptable approach – able to spot and evaluate opportunities and weigh up benefits and risks
- good understanding of the natural environment – particularly in a Suffolk context and how it relates to people and climate change
- track record of developing/ delivering externally funded projects – ideally in an environment/ heritage context.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will be working with a team of dedicated and professional staff, passionate about protecting and enhancing Suffolk’s natural environment. You will also be working alongside the National Landscapes team and the Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS). The Natural Environment team is part of the Natural & Historic Environment service, which also includes Suffolk Archaeology and the Rights of Way and Access team, within the Growth, Highways & Infrastructure Directorate.
You will report to the Head of Natural & Historic Environment and contribute to wider joint working across those service areas where appropriate.
For more information
For an informal discussion, please contact Tim De-Keyzer (he/him) by calling (01473) 264341 or by emailing
Tim.De-Keyzer@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1 - Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple priorities with limited resources. What process did you use to evaluate and determine priorities?
2 - Tell me about a time when you secured external funding for a project. What steps did you take to identify the opportunity and develop a successful proposal?
3 - Please share an example of when you took the initiative to implement a change or innovation that improved your team's efficiency or results. What motivated you and how did you bring others on board?
4 - Describe a time when you needed to influence senior leaders or key decision-makers on an environmental issue. How did you prepare and tailor your influence approach? What was the result?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
Your application will not be considered without the required supporting documents and any documents attached must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
Closing date: 21 April 2024
Interview date: 26 April 2024
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This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.